Childcare Specialist, Full-Time

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Youth and Recreation Centers Programs Department is seeking an experienced Childcare Specialist to provide safe, dependable, year‑round childcare for school age children (5–12) at assigned Recreation Plus sites. Ensure the environment and curriculum deliver learning experiences tailored to each participant’s needs.

This benefit-eligible role follows a schedule that varies by school year and summer, with supervision responsibilities and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Four college semesters focusing on child/youth development, education, recreation or related field.
• One year of professional childcare experience with children aged 5–12 in a facility-based program.
• High school diploma or equivalent accepted with related experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, dependable afterschool and year-round childcare for 5–12 year olds at Recreation Plus sites.
• Plan and implement indoor/outdoor recreation activities and curriculum.
• Supervise and coordinate part-time recreation staff.
• Address disciplinary issues and injuries promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain billing information, collect balances, and communicate with families.
• Keep accurate child records and protect privacy per policy.
• Collaborate with families, therapists, and inclusion coordinators for children with special needs.
• Develop programs compliant with MPRB policies and standards, addressing community needs.

Skills

School-age development knowledge

Behavior management

Working with children with special-ne…

Recreation program planning

Customer service excellence

Education

Four semesters of college coursework in child/youth development or related field

One year of professional childcare experience (5-12)

Job description

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Youth and Recreation Centers Programs Department is accepting applications for an experienced Childcare Specialist to provide safe, dependable childcare for school age children (ages 5-12 years) on a year-round basis at assigned Recreation Plus sites. Ensure the environment and recreation-based curriculum provides learning experiences to meet each participant's needs.

This is a benefit eligible, year-round position with the following work schedule:

• School year 6:45–9:45 a.m. AND 1:00–6:00 p.m.
• School release and summer: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

• Ensure every registered child is safely supervised and accounted for throughout each day.
• Plan, organize and develop recreation activities, special events and program curriculum (indoors/outdoors with some educational components) to provide sufficient recreation choices for children between the ages of five and twelve during the before- and afterschool hours, on release days as assigned, and during the summer.
• Provide direction to part-time Recreation staff.
• Appropriately and effectively take action on disciplinary issues and/or injuries involving children in a timely manner.
• Accurately maintain billing information; collect and monitor outstanding balances, send monthly bills and communicate with parents/guardians about billing.
• Accurately maintain records on children; ensure their private information is protected and secure such information according to Recreation Plus guidelines.
• Facilitate inclusion of children with special needs through collaboration with park staff, parent/guardian, therapeutic recreation staff and the Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Coordinator.
• Develop and facilitate programs and procedures in compliance with MPRB policies and standards.
• Assist MPRB in identifying and addressing the park and recreation needs of underserved and under-represented communities.

Need to Have:

• Four semesters of coursework from an accredited college or university with a focus in child/youth development, education, recreation or closely related field.
• Professional work experience performing childcare duties for children 5 - 12 years old in a facility-based childcare program: One (1) year.

--OR--

• High School diploma or equivalent degree.
• Equivalent work experience and additional continued education: at least three (3) years combined.

Nice to Have:

• Bachelor's degree in child/youth development, education, recreation or closely related field.

Licensing Requirements:

• CPR and First Aid certifications required within one (1) month of hire.
• 16 hours of training in any of the following topic areas: child development and learning; developmentally appropriate learning experiences; relationships with families; assessment, evaluation, and individualization; historical and contemporary development of early childhood education; professionalism; and health, safety, and nutrition. (Within 14 days of hire – MPRB provided)

Skills Crucial to Success in This Role:

• Knowledge of developmental needs of school age children between the ages of 5-12 years old.
• Knowledge of current principles and best practices in behavior management skills for school age children between the ages of 5-12 years old.
• Knowledge of current principles and best practices in working with children, ages 5–12, with special needs.
• Knowledge of current principles and best practices in recreation program planning.
• Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Union Status:

AFSCME #3279

Selection Process:

Full-time civil service position.

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions (30%).
• We conduct a structured panel interview (oral exam) (70%).
• We calculate your civil service score based on the above components and place you on the eligible list if all testing components are passed (passing score for each component and as an overall score is 70.00 or above). Eligible list will expire in three (3) months.
• We refer the top finalists to the hiring manager for an interview.
• References, including verification of employment and work performance, may be considered.
• We conduct a background check. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to obtain their criminal history in connection with the positions sought. View the MPRB Background Check Policy at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Background-Check-Policy.pdf. This position is also required to pass an enhanced background check with fingerprinting as required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
• Vacation is negotiable at the time of offer. See Civil Service Rule 17.05 for Allowance, Calculation and Use of Vacation.

Please note that HR reserves the right to limit the number of people invited to successive testing events.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board – a great place to play, work, and make a difference in the lives of others.

The MPRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a tobacco-free workplace and park system.

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